Chapter 33

KNOX

Mom keeps talking and I'm beginning to regret giving her an invitation. We invite her every time, but she never comes and this time she decided to come, as if she'd seen it coming.

And when I think of the ridiculous nickname she gave Isabella, I wonder how she still manages to be there. I exchange glances with Jax from time to time, I'd like to talk to him through the link but I don't know how Mom always managed to intercept our conversations.

The waiter comes to clear the table of our empty plates after the entree and the music sounds, I leap to my feet and hold out my hand to Isa.

"May I have this dance?" I ask and she offers me a grateful smile.

"With pleasure." She smiles back and places her hand in mine.

I hold her hand all the way to the dance floor as our guests look on.

I say, "Thank you. Your mother's nice, but she..."

"Intense, eccentric, tireless..." I cut her off and she laughs.

"I was going to say she talked a lot." She tells me with a smile.

I snort. "And you ain't seen nothing yet. She's not going to let you out of her sight now and she's going to want you to meet all her girlfriends and lug you to every pack event. Spring feast, winter feast, initiation ceremony for young wolves... you name it."

"It all happens so fast." She says and I pull her closer to me, embracing her completely.

"I know, but for us it's so natural. You and us are a given. It was meant to be."

"I understand but even though I feel something strong for the three of you I can't help but I feel dizzy sometimes."

"Then let us take control and guide you..."

"I've let someone else take control for far too long Knox."

ISABELLA - THREE YEARS AGO

The lasagna I've made from my family's recipe is ready, I've lit some candles and even got out the pretty red dress I bought in Italy when Dom and I went there just after our wedding. I know he loves it. I finish curling my hair before turning on a playlist of romantic music.

I apply another coat of lipstick, looking at myself in the mirror once more.

I get a notification on my phone and read Alex's message.

He should be on time. I've just picked Dad up from the office and he's already left.

I exhale and check once again that everything is in its place.

The candles are almost all burnt out. I blow out one after the other.

He's late, three hours late at last... is that late? My messages and calls go unanswered.

I should start calling the hospitals and the police, maybe something's happened to him. Just as I'm about to dial the number, the front door opens. I quickly get up from the sofa to discover Dom, his hair disheveled, taking off his shoes.

"Where have you been?" I ask him, and when he stands up he sighs but doesn't answer me. He walks past me without a glance and heads for the bathroom. I've spent the evening preparing dinner and waiting for him, and he doesn't even deign to give me an explanation for his lateness.

He's already in the shower when I enter the bathroom and pick up his shirt, which he's thrown on the floor. A red stain catches my eye on the collar... it looks like... it looks like lipstick.

The tap turns off and he reaches out of the shower cubicle for a towel. Once tied around his waist, he steps out and fixes his shirt in my hand.

"I was going to pick it up after late. No need to come after me every two minutes."

"I asked you a question and you didn't answer me." I tell him firmly.

"I was with customers." He simply replies still without looking at me as he approaches the mirror.

"On our wedding anniversary?"

"The fucking world won't stop spinning because it's our wedding anniversary." He yells at me, banging on the sink. "If you had a real job you'd know that." He adds, looking at me in the mirror, and what I read in his eyes is disgust.

"You've been drinking."

"Have you fucking decided to break my balls tonight?" He exits the bathroom, inadvertently poking me in the shoulder.

He was with a woman tonight I'm sure, the lipstick didn't appear here by chance. How did he dare? On the evening of our wedding anniversary. Tears welling up in my eyes, I throw off the shirt and go to the bedroom to take off this ridiculous dress. To think I thought I'd please him and once again I got the opposite.

Once I'm in the bedroom, I take off my robe and pick up the nightdress lying on the bed. I pull it over my head and hear Dom's voice. "You've taken breasts, haven't you? I hope you're not pregnant. This really isn't the time."

I drop the nightgown and without a word slip under the sheets.

A few minutes later, the mattress collapses beside me and the light goes out. I cry silently, until sleep overcomes me.

KNOX

Another song starts up, more upbeat and Isabella seems to return to the present moment, she seemed to be absent for the whole song.

"Is everything okay?" I ask her worriedly.

"Yes, sorry. I think I'm going to get some air for a moment."

"I can go with you if you like." I offer but she shakes her head.

"I feel like being alone but don't worry I'm not going anywhere." She reassures me with a small smile. She gives me a kiss and heads outside.